Dishwasher Water Softener Assembly With Direct Chamber Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water supply and treatment devices for dishwashing machines are complex to assemble and require multiple hydraulic connections, which can lead to leaks and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A water supply and treatment device integrated into the dishwashing machine, eliminating the need for a separate pipe to the washing chamber by using a tank system with a selective intercepting member for water softening and waste water management, and a sealing annular wall for direct water and vapor discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a separate pipe is used to connect the water supply device to the washing chamber, then the water supply function is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases and the number of hydraulic connections increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly complexityVSAvoidhydraulic connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the water supply function directly into the salt tank assembly by forming the water discharge opening in the bottom wall of the salt tank. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate piping between the water supply device and washing chamber, thereby reducing assembly complexity while also reducing the number of hydraulic connections that could potentially leak.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple hydraulic connections are used for water supply and waste water drainage, then complete water management is achieved, but the number of potential leak points increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic connection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of hydraulic connections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple hydraulic functions into a single integrated assembly. The salt tank assembly simultaneously serves as water storage, water discharge to washing chamber, and waste water collection from the blow-off section. This integration reduces the number of separate hydraulic connections required while maintaining complete water management functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a separate pipe is used for water supply to washing chamber, then water delivery is achieved, but assembly costs and procedures increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly cost and procedureVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the water supply function into the existing salt tank assembly structure. The bottom wall of the salt tank is formed with a water discharge opening that directly communicates with the washing chamber, eliminating the need for separate piping components. This reduces both the number of components and assembly procedures while maintaining effective water delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Simplifies assembly, reduces hydraulic connections, and lowers costs by integrating water supply and treatment directly into the machine, minimizing leaks and enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an annular wall (36) which is sealingly mounted through an opening (50) formed in the bottom (52) of the washing chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP1844694B1Integrated device for supplying and treating water for a dishwashing machine
Publication Date: 2009.04.08 BITRON SPA
  • EP1844694B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1844694B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1844694B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device comprises: a supply line (10); a first tank (22) for containing substances with water-softening properties, provided with at least one inlet opening (20) for water to be softened and an outlet opening (48) for softened water; a second tank (28) for containing salt, provided with at least one water inlet opening (27) and an outlet opening (29) for a regeneration brine formed following dissolving of the salt in the water, and having a neck (34); an annular wall (36) which surrounds externally at least one bottom portion of the neck (34) forming an interspace (38); and a line (44) for connecting the outlet opening (20) of the first tank (22) to the interspace (38). The annular wall (36) is intended to be mounted inside an opening (50) formed through the bottom (52) of the washing chamber, where the softened water supplied from the connection line (44) is conveyed and made to pass through the interspace (38).